10 Essentials for Thanksgiving Entertaining in the Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 

Are you ever blindsided by the arrival of Thanksgiving? Last-minute details can be daunting whether you are hosting or attending a gathering. Be prepared for loads of delicious food and time spent with loved ones with these essentials. 

For the Table

A nice place setting is an inviting touch when welcoming guests for dinner. Plus, it is all the more satisfying to feast around a table that is festive for the occasion.

Minimal Entrée and Side Dish Plates

Exit Nineteen, Kingston

Available in two sizes, for an entrée and side dish (or perhaps dessert), these beautiful plates are handmade and finished with a signature ivory glaze. They are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Glaze is removed from the rim to expose the warmth of the sand clay. 

Pale Clay Taper Candles

Valley Variety, Hudson 

Add a soft glow to your Thanksgiving table setting with these neutral, pale clay-colored taper candles. Taper candles also make the home feel cozy on a chilly November night.

Plaid Table Runner

This table runner adds all the autumnal vibes and would pair perfectly with a neutral-colored tablecloth. The plaid pattern is especially appropriate for the time of year. 

For the Kitchen

These cooking essentials will lend you a helping hand as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast.

12 Blade Vegetable Chopper

This vegetable chopper has gone viral online over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Cut your cooking time down significantly for your holiday dinner with this nifty kitchen gadget that comes with interchangeable blades to chop, slice, and spiralize. 

Thanksgiving Dish Towels

These gorgeous dish towels are the perfect ornamentation for your kitchen. Made of cotton, they are absorbent and dry dishes quickly.

Staub Square Covered Dish

Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Rhinebeck

The Staub Square Covered Dish from Zwilling J.A. Henckels is an excellent addition to your holiday kitchenware. This ceramic dish locks in heat without absorbing moisture, making it ideal for various recipes. It’s an essential for making mac and cheese, apple crisp, brownies, or whatever you’re hoping to enjoy this Thanksgiving.

For the Host

These host/hostess gifts are sure to show your love and appreciation. They also may help your host out with last-minute turkey day details. 

Holiday Wine

Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville

Carrying on the longstanding tradition of mulled wine, Brotherhood’s Holiday wine features a secret blend of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s practically essential for cold weather and holiday parties and would serve as an excellent gift for your Thanksgiving dinner host.

Cozy Mug

The chilly weather is upon us, so this mug is a perfect gift to help warm up your host this holiday season. For a little added treat, fill the mug with chocolates from a local shop.

Catskill Escapist Candle

Beck Home + Goods, Woodstock

This woodsy scent would be a cozy addition to any Hudson Valley home this season. Notes of cedar and juniper are reminiscent of hikes in the Catskills.

Hudson Valley Travel Book

Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills: Seasonal Getaways, Outdoor Recreation, Farm-Fresh Cuisine  

This book is ideal for browsing while sipping morning coffee and is sure to spark new bucket list ideas for the Hudson Valley region. As a travel guide, it is appropriate for a Hudson Valley native or an out-of-towner, making it ideal as a gift for a Thanksgiving dinner host.

Related: Here’s Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in the Hudson Valley